SUVA, Fiji (Fiji Times, Dec. 1, 2016) – A landmark deal in terms of technological advancements in the region was reached when a 10-year regional strategy was endorsed by the Pacific Geospatial and Surveying Council (PGSC) in Suva last week.

The strategy which is aimed at advancing geospatial and surveying services in the Pacific will not only benefit Fiji but also other small island nations in the Pacific which face threats because of climate change.

While endorsing the strategy, PGSC chairman and Tuvalu's Director of Lands and Survey, Faatasi Malologa said the strategy would act as a guide for the PGSC towards achieving sustainable development.

"This strategy will be the PGSC's guide toward achieving our vision of sustainable development in the Pacific enabled by world-class geospatial information and surveying services," Mr Malologa said.

"The transition to modernise and upgrade the standards of surveying and geospatial technology in the Pacific region is critical to support better decision-making in matters of land and marine management, in particular the monitoring and analysis of the impacts of climate change in near-real time for adaptation and mitigation purposes."

He highlighted the importance of the strategy in terms of providing accurate geospatial information to Pacific Island economies and a roadmap for building the geospatial capacity of national governments to meet these growing needs.

Fourteen member country representatives and eight stakeholders were present at the two-day workshop.

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